Captain Mark Howard is remembered as a great leader and “friend” by his colleagues despite only featuring in one season of Below Deck Mediterranean.
Captain Mark Howard will never return to Below Deck Mediterranean again because of an unexpected tragedy. The Below Deck spin-off premiered in May 2016 and featured a new setup and location. Season 1 gave viewers returning stars like Chef Ben Robinson and new crew members like Captain Mark. When Below Deck Mediterranean season 1 aired almost eight years ago, it seemed like a breath of fresh air because of Captain Mark’s colonel-like personality. He managed the crew boldly, gave them strikes for their childish mistakes, and showed he knew how to handle guests.
Captain Mark accomplished many things during his stint in Below Deck Mediterranean season 1. He organized donkeys to assist guests traverse the mountains and motivated his crew to perform better. At one point, he taught one of his employees a lesson. He slammed Deckhand Danny Zureikat for being the most toxic crew member on the boat and criticized his subpar performance. Consequently, Captain Mark sent Danny home and advised him to consider a different career path outside the luxury yacht industry. Although Captain Mark was outstanding in season 1, he didn’t return to the franchise in later seasons.
Captain Mark Was Replaced By Captain Sandy
Captain Sandy Has Been Leading Below Deck Mediterranean Since 2017
Captain Mark fulfilled multiple charters in Below Deck Mediterranean season 1. He successfully handled the team, pushing them to grow. Unfortunately, Captain Mark didn’t return in the second season. Captain Sandra “Sandy” Yawn replaced Captain Mark by becoming the new face of the spin-off. Since 2017, the 59-year-old Fort Lauderdale resident has been the lead star of Below Deck Mediterranean. Sandy has grown older in the last seven years and picked up some injuries. Despite that, Captain Sandy has given Below Deck Mediterranean its flavor, separating it from other spin-offs like Below Deck Sailing Yacht and Below Deck Down Under.
Hannah Ferrier Talked Highly Of Captain Mark
Hannah Called Captain Mark A Great Friend
Mark wasn’t only an amazing captain, but also close to his crew members. While he was strict, it didn’t stop him from connecting with his team and leaving a lasting impression on them. Over the years, many Below Deck Mediterranean season 1 crew members have positively talked about him. Their sweet responses prove that Captain Mark was truly one of a kind and nice to everyone. In 2021, Chief Stewardess Hannah Ferrier posted a photo of Captain Mark.
Hannah stated Mark was “a great captain, friend and colleague,” adding he was always a gentleman.
Captain Mark Passed Away
Captain Mark Died In December 2021 At The Age Of 65
Captain Mark was iconic, just like other Below Deck captains. Sadly, he wasn’t a good fit for the dramatic reality TV life, so he left the show to live a more private life. He stayed far away from the limelight for years to come, enjoying his married life with his wife, Susan. Unfortunately, he tragically passed away in 2021, leaving a short but incredible legacy behind. According to People, Captain Mark died because of “hypertensive cardiovascular disease with chronic alcoholism.” Captain Mark will forever be remembered for his exceptional mentorship on Below Deck Mediterranean.